AKAI MPC KEY 37 - The best MPC for most people.

Akai just dropped the MPC KEY 37.
No more speculations or leaks around this one and this video should give you most of the information you might be looking for.
The Key37 is kind of a miniature version of the MPC Key 61 with a few overall changes. This is probably the best mpc for most people since it offers a lot at a low price point.
This device was sent to me from Akai for reviewing purposes. No money changed hands and Akai hasn't seen this video before publishing.
Learn more about the MPC Key 37
akaipro.com
My website + free sample pack
www.accuratebeats.com
Patreon:
/ accurate

[@CORLEYKG5000]

Everyone wants the Retro color and Akai give us The Old Spice Red 😂

[@musicislife704]

😂

[@babufits1584]

Fr, it's an eye sore. 😔

[@cremacaffedesign]

Because the retro color is gonna come out a little later... it's always like that 😁

[@CORLEYKG5000]

@@cremacaffedesign 👍

[@Lip4neK]

The keyboard does not fit with this beanie obviously.

[@teddyoc]

Definitely the old school color Akai would have made this unit sexy

[@matthewgaines10]

It’s probably coming later. They made the One and Live II in three colors.

[@LowHeatBeats]

Agreed, 37 keys is perfect. I see people always commenting on the RAM, but this isn't a general purpose computer, so it doesn't work the same way and should be sufficient.

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah, that’s true… We had the same discussion on Maschine+, Push 3, on MPCX and other devices…. But I guess it makes sense too. RAM is cheap and people have handheld gaming devices with crazy amounts of ram in their hands. It’s absolutely not the same since the MP doesn’t run windows or anything graphically demanding. But I see how people get things mixed up. (I would’ve loved to see 4Gb on this too) 😎

[@synkuk]

@@AccurateBeats I can see it for plugin usage .. but for sampling ..... some of the greatest beats in history were made with

[@kamikaze6295]

@@AccurateBeats Full agree

[@dannyvalentino328]

Totally agree on everything, including the color. I know Akai mean red in Japanese, but Akai could have at least offered a black or classic MPC grey as an option.

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah... I just don't find it attractive. Not a bad unit at all though!

[@LaidbackSounds]

and Akai is not Japanese for a longgggggggggggggg time lol

[@dannyvalentino328]

@@LaidbackSounds “As per web Consumer electronics brand, "AKAI" means red in Japanese. AKAI is a consumer electronics brand name. The original company was founded in 1946 in Tokyo, Japan as Akai Electric Co. Ltd. developing electronics such as LED TVs and Air Conditioning systems.”

[@LaidbackSounds]

i know that but Akai as a brand is not Japanese anymore over the past 20 years @@dannyvalentino328

[@Yhuntermusic]

Love your take on this man!!!

[@AccurateBeats]

Love your support!

[@Yhuntermusic]

@@AccurateBeats Absolutely!!!

[@Tony-Madisson]

Agreed ❤ Thank you for the vid 🎉

[@lazaruslaser]

I Love the Red Color... but I am Pairing Mine With a Nord... So it works !!!! I bought a mpc live 2 , and had it for a few months before putting it away... I understood absolutely Nothing on the work flow ??? Just Did Not Get It... I just picked up the key 37 hoping the keys would be a help... I figured it out pretty fast with this one... and think the keyboard aided in that... By the way the plug-in instruments are Stellar , even the stock ones.. I added the Piano , and Hammond B3 , and the mini - D , Fabric , and Studio Strings... The Quality of these are so good that I Do Not have to use my Nord in recording... Absolutely Stellar !!!! And a Shout out to the Leslie simulation on the Organ Also... wonderful ... Thanks to Akai for the Inspiration from this Little Workhorse.. FYI.. I am a 73 yr. old musician who had to Actually haul 300lb. Organs , and 80lb Rhoads Pianos , and Leslie's .. You Young Folks Have No Idea how Great Products Like These Are...

[@justin_704]

Also with the cost of ram being so cheap, I don't know why they don't just make these easily upgradable

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah, upgradeability would be so nice on all of them! Better for the environment too

[@pdmidipd_patch7476]

I guess they have plenty of stock 2G ram boards , although I though they run out of those since the latest products shipped with 4G ram . If Akai implements a proper disk streaming (not just for audio tracks like the Force , but for instruments and plugins, 2G shouldn't be a problem plus the load time would be decreased)

[@cresshead]

nice review/overview - i'd probably get a retro colored one if it came out

[@AccurateBeats]

Ah, that would be nice! I thought about making a mockup of that in photoshop but I guess someone more talented will get to that :)

[@nap41123]

True. I’m sure they will make the retro color but will be more money.

[@toomuchtobmac]

Styleflip made a great-looking skin for my MPC Live. I love it.

[@sawyerthereal]

I like it, I'll just get a custom skin for it and be on my way.

[@AccurateBeats]

I'm looking into that as we speak!

[@samsicles_jr]

please report back with what you find! @@AccurateBeats

[@Khordmaster]

Great vid bro! And yes to more devices having USB C … it’s time!

[@pdiggz2003]

Something nobody talked about but you was the facts they don’t have an external ssd at the bottom. Thanks for the heads up

[@brucebell8562]

loopop reviewer shows that it actually DOES have that option! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pobUlWCepK2Ea9U

[@BanderaFilmsAndMusic]

Red looks gorgeous. It's a modern beautiful piece of gear, no doubt.

[@UONeal]

I'm gonna agree on the color...I want my gear to look classy and professional and that Red is neither of those... This could've replaced my MPC one and MPK225... But not in red bc aesthetics is a really big deal for me. Another Great video Accurate... Thanks for the great content

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah…. I feel the same but I’m not sure I understand myself... I don’t have any problems with the nord keyboards, I think? Or do I? Bah! I don’t love it but it’s not a dealbreaker for me. I can 100% see why it is though.

[@joelgonsalves4943]

@@AccurateBeats That’s the weirdest thing right?! I don’t mind the red Nord either but something about the red on other instruments just makes them look cheap!

[@kirkwilliams4942]

RED is awesome!!!! POp of color.... sweet.

[@MANTIS_DnB]

You lost me at 2GB of RAM. RAM is not expensive. Put at least 8GB.

[@esterix101]

My 150 eur motorola has 8 gb ram already. Sadly.

[@simcitybigworldmedia]

Very true

[@xlo2335]

Right, this 1000% I'm so upset about it, extremely dissapointed. To skip out on the cheapest component available while repackaging the same internals of the mpc one from 2020 is just truly unforgivable. Rediculous!

[@Syntox]

And RAM is CHEAP. There is no excuse for this to have less horsepower than a four year old Chromebook

[@PtownCaDaBay]

Just lost sale. I need 2gb just to take a sh!t. Just like this well. I guess you're supposed to work with a max out buffer.

[@Skerocuda]

Im dissapointed by this unit not having at least 3h battery time without cable

[@babysunn2]

That Color POPS and When You Have Multiple Tabletop Gear, It's Refreshing to See Eye Candy. It Actually Makes Your Studio Look More Professional in My Opinion.

[@C-D-E-Maniac]

I don't understand why all reviewers ignore Akai Force. For me personally, this is the best station at the moment.

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah, Force is great and has always been! I stopped using it long ago as they kept coming out with new MPCs and I’m a sucker. Force is still one of the best units out there, for real.

[@C-D-E-Maniac]

@@AccurateBeats It's a shame for AKAI Force because manufacturers will stop developing it if users stop mentioning it and using it. Personally, I like Force the best from the MPC line and I have to write this.

[@mikoajczeski1272]

it doesn't work on mpcdaw

[@mrautomatech2329]

I’m interested in the Force. What do you like about it so much? Trying to get some feedback from owners.

[@C-D-E-Maniac]

@@mrautomatech2329 I'm not a fingerdramer. I like that you can write music in any genre on the Force. It's universal.

[@theartoflivingoutloud888]

Thank you for pointing out the fact that you can use a power bank.

[@robertlundestrom473]

Hi, the new mpc key 37 is out and here is a thought. When it comes to the key modells there is virtually no beginner tutorials out there and i different groups new users are screaming for information and tutorials. I know you use the akai products ao wouldnt this be a perfect series for you to make tutorials on? I really love your way of teaching us stuff and think this would be great for your followers and all new to the mpc key.

[@thelantern9075]

Everything they make should always have that vintage cream color option. How do they not understand this?

[@GODInTheWax444]

They'd rather release it a year later and get the people who will be willing to buy the device AGAIN just for the retro look...

[@xmusologyx]

Nice, but not enough ram.

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah, it's not for everyone. If you need ram, this is not it. :D

[@ZetaCarinae]

Clearly we need an Accurate Beats special edition MPC key 37 in black or grey.

[@BulletproofGroove]

their old school grey is what a huge amount of hiphop heads want!

[@circuitslave]

A cream colored version would look nice AF! There's no Key 37 in the past but a cream, grey or blue and grey colorway would give that Emulator look!

[@AccurateBeats]

A lot of really cool ideas! Thanks

[@MixWorkRecordings]

Yeah, Red doesn’t do it for me as well. You can’t go wrong with black on black. It’s a more premium and professional look than white or red. Plus lighter/brighter color schemes don’t hold up over time. You should always have black as an option on every device!

[@bodhibeats8257]

Cool product. Man it’s frustrating for Maschine fans that NI is still trying to sell the Maschine+ for $1200 when this exists.

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah I know! I still have a lot of love for NI and especially Maschine but it’s hard to justify the purchase these days. I just hope they get back into the game with something that actually competes with the MPCs.

[@gabrieldonl2311]

I wouldn't want NI to follow inmusic's business model, which in the case of maschine+ is already something in that sense.

[@amstadeathhardcore816]

it's easy what NI should do, make improved Maschine + with powered by battery and with speakers and 37 keys

[@MezikeEllzy-or8sh]

I thank you’re right on the price point I have bought workstations for more back in 1990 ensonq sq1 plus which I still have I’m not ever giving up my first keyboard, but I have bought every Yamaha motif series and now I’m left with the Yamaha motive XF7 Of course Fl 61 key . kurzweil k2000 I use to have and EPS and the Ensoniq EPS 16 Plus Digital Smapling Workstation I use to have in the prices on those keyboards were a lot back in the day so you’re not getting a bad deal getting the Akai 37 key for 900 Bucks. I traded my moog and sold my Akai force that was brand new still In The box for my Akai Mpc 37 . Great content price point is good for this piece of music equipment.

[@sd-uu7ji]

I’ve only ever used an 1st gen motif 6… would you say the akai mpc 37 is better thank a motif 6?

[@Tenderlash]

I'm hoping this is a good all-in-one solution for live solo performance - to run programs, play lead keyboard lines, play backing tracks, and send a midi-out converted to DMX (via a converter) I have one arriving today

[@felipefs106]

Would love to see a black edition / retro edition of this on the HW side. On the software side, a "Session view" would be nice if they are not planning to develop a song mode. I think the software in the Akai force has a Session View it seems...

[@lpn369]

Can not wait till this Hit my pockets 😅😅!!!

[@hailnaryproductionz3661]

Sd cards work faster than usb

[@inperfectsequence7840]

We could call it an MPC One with keys. But the truth is that any modern MPC is a workstation and these MPC key 37 and 61 are the equivalent of what we had in the past. Some things like the Motif ES6 which was a sampler and workstation with high quality preset sounds, things like the Roland Fantom GT and also the Akai S1000 KB which was a great sampler for playing sounds with the keys. Now these models have everything that we had, in current standards, they handle gigabytes of ram and disk space, really with machines that in the past could have been an object of desire, but we live in times where people do not appreciate the things that come out. . . A mini-workstation with keys is, for me, the correct definition for the MPC Key 37, it is perfect for small home studios or to be more portable to place in minimalist configurations with keys, really, the keys offer another type of more direct experience on each note, to play bass live or some sound with a base created for conductors, great to be a complete instrument for TRAP music. We already know that no sampler has a labeled music style, but this keyboard is perfect for a DJ setup, where you can play some lines live. Only Calvia knows how to make the color red elegant, but Akai here wanted to play at being Clavia and didn't get it right with the shade of red. I prefer it in a blue MPC 4000, 2000XL style with gray backlit pads. But the good thing about an MPC is that they can be customized and that is not possible on other machines. When you buy an MPC over time they become classic and still have their parts available in stores like ¨mpcstuff¨ Thanks for the video.

[@wrongbeach35]

Why 2 gigs of RAM when they keep adding things that need RAM?

[@EvolveDentalHealing]

would you recommend this for a beginner?

[@Marco-ek8wu]

When I see a red keyboard it’s usually in a toy shop. Black is far more classy. 37 keys does suit the profile and fills the space nicely. It’s a workstation not a MPC Tbf. 2GB ram is pathetic but it does give life to the live 2 and MPC One line but it does suggest that for the next few years there’s not going to be much in improvements. Price wise is fair but if you add all the extra paid for plugins to make this thing sing then it’s a tough sell.

[@guitar_genius]

I think Akai is just trying to test waters here for now. We'll soon get a plus or retro for this with more ram...

[@yotrakzproductions7324]

The RAM issue is nothing for the truly creative. I’ve had my AK-37 for three days now and it simply smashes any other keyboard workstation out right now for a lot of reasons: workflow, functionality, sounds, expandability, inspiration, multi music genre applicability and more. Dollar for data this is the best gear buy for me in over 10 years. Props to Akai.

[@JayNomad98104]

We are in the video game console-ification era of music making gear. Like PS4, PS4 Pro and PS4 slim. We got MPC1, Live, X, 61…

[@MyNameJeff..]

Ugly. Why they didn’t use the se color scheme is beyond me. That thing is beautiful. No GAS at all, live 2 is op - battery, very capable speaker and portable. Add a midi keyboard or Bluetooth midi keyboard, it’s amazing. Best piece of gear I ever bought, and I was a maschine head since 2012.

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah, it’s a classic color scheme or a reason. If you appreciate the speaker on Live 2, I it’s a truly amazing device!

[@wrongbeach35]

Live 2 still seems to be the best of all worlds

[@MikeS-1969]

Nice video, Good review and very good ...image quality (!!??)

[@AccurateBeats]

Thank you 🙏

[@agentooe33AD]

I will never for the life of me understand why companies make a portable device and not make it actually portable? I could have lived with all the other limitations, but not having a battery in it so I can take it on the go, which to me would be the stand out feature since it's very similar to the bigger brothers, to me this is a missed opportunity. I know people can "technically" get it to work with power banks, but I think they should have wised up and put a battery in it. If they had, might have bought me one. Oh well. Good video all the same!

[@HatchetHarry]

After all that waiting and seeing it was here, i had that sitting in my basket away to pre order unfortunately i already asked them to give people who make dance, techno, trance ect a chance but no all the videos, hip hop, rappers. It’s like anyone into hip hop trying to learn but have to listen to music that isn’t for them. It’s clear by the advertising, marketing and who they gave pre release models who they want this to be for which means it most definitely isn’t for me. Looks nice in red too.

[@mpbangamusic9673]

Dope honest review as always 👌 Can you still export your project as .ALS?

[@johnviera3884]

3:36 it runs on 5 volts and they used a DC plug instead of a USB C power port? ugh. Akai always comes up short

[@malvinusmusic]

I dislike the color as well and thanks for your video, which I liked a lot!

[@ChunkySq]

So you are not a fan of the Ketchup skin 🤨😜

[@AccurateBeats]

But I am a fan of ktchup in general though!

[@PtownCaDaBay]

So disappointed. to be expected.

[@kamikaze6295]

I would like the device better in blue or black

[@tonycarrera69]

They better be working on a Mpc Key 49

[@Khordmaster]

Also! The color matches your hat! 😎

[@Borderlands808]

Not enough ram or storage. Why not put in a 10TB ssd? And 10-20 gig ram?

[@VideoDjDre-Remix-VA]

Red , green, or black. Your wearing all those colors, it’s perfect for you. Just kidding 😊. Great video. I’m convinced to purchase. Thanks.

[@pirateradioFPV]

They aimed for the xmas market with the color scheme 😁 With the single out they're still keeping stuff like the MPC 1000 relevant 🥱

[@AccurateBeats]

Ha! Didn't even think of that but maybe :P Yeah, the single output and the 2Gb of ram sure puts it with the One instead of with the bigger or the older ones like the 1k. Different target group i guess

[@pirateradioFPV]

@@AccurateBeats The battery on the Live 2 scares the living shit out of me, but I need multiple outs. So it's either that or the older stuff and considering you can get used mpc one for the price of the very, very used mpc 1000, I'm like . . why is Akai doing this to me 😂

[@newday8545]

The deal breaker for me would be is if the arp isnt as advanced as the mpc midi keyboards arp. Other than that im considering selling my One for this.

[@apoclypse]

The red is starting to grow on me.

[@danielleepperson3772]

Hello, I am new to your channel and a new subscriber. I would like to know,Do you teach how to use synths because your tutorial on the minifreak was great and I would like to learn how to better sound design?

[@kirkwilliams4942]

DIG the red. I'm sure they will offer other colors at some point, I'd line up for an anodized blue.

[@Syntox]

It's cute but THE RAM. 2GB of RAM is UNACCEPTABLE in 2024. It seriously bottlenecks the entire potential of what can be done in standalone.

[@WayneoOnTheTrack]

I have Mpc X and live 2 , I’m trying best !! But I think I’m going to swipe my card today

[@Johnny_Bigodes]

Really need to know, I got the Juno DS and wanted to buy this one. Can I create my own sounds like a workstation? Can I split the keyboard in various ways and sounds? Is it similar and good for life performances? Thanks

[@jeffblack8911]

Okay so I’m looking at your set up here and I see a mouse and keyboard. This brings me to ask can you hook the mouse a keyboard to this device? It seems too cumbersome to use your fingers for editing t small screen

[@PRODUCEDBYLILDOUG]

@accuratebeats Can you do a shootout of the preset loading times on the Key 37 vs the Key 61 for the premium plugins like Fabric XL and Stage Piano? Thanks

[@MichaelBlicher]

I like that the MPC live II has 6 outputs instead of the 2 on MPC key 37. Is there a way to get more outputs, perhaps using phones out?

[@jeffblack8911]

And does any of these touch screens offer pencil support? That would be devine!

[@pitibharda]

Great video as always! So why is this cheaper than the live 2? Or maschine plus? It looks more complete , def i am missing something

[@pitibharda]

Oh yeah, maybe the 2gb...

[@AKAIMPCJUNKIE-gr5fm]

Akai does it again, this is an excellent product. If I wasn't so cheap I would buy it right now, but since I'm kind of cheap and I already have MPC X SE and key 61, I really don't need it..

[@СергейИванов-й5х2х]

AKAI BRAVO !!! 🎉🎉🎉 М О Л О Д Ц Ы !!!❤❤❤

[@pdmidipd_patch7476]

The usb port can act as usb midi device , if Akai supports audio in the future it would be perfect pairing an ipad :)

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah, that’s new too 😀

[@CourtWatchAu]

37 MINI keys wouldve been better for travel and small gigs in my opinion

[@MarianoPerez]

Do you have a video on how you deal with copyright claims and such. You do mostly sampled music, so I'm guessing you've deal a lot with copyright issues? Do you have a video on that topic?

[@jjhcw]

Great price !!

[@MarkyGoldstein]

I like the red

[@unclemick-synths]

Would I have bought this instead of my MPC One? Not sure I would - I predominantly input audio to chop and almost never use the plugin instruments. I'd find it a pain to reach over the keyboard for everything.

[@Kaje05]

So, it’s basically the same as all the other MPCs? But uglier? Hmmm…

[@davidm2451]

I would like to see it in the retro colour of akai s2000

[@americatunedright1211]

I’m glad you look healthy, almost a full recovery from the last time I seen your videos, keep up the good health. This mpc is a fail in many ways and you really didn’t dig deep into it, pretty much a commercial. Old workstations like trinity or similar are more player and producer tuned, 37 is a toy you can play outside with. I guess best scenario for me is practicing with it to learn the mpc daw.

[@petero1068]

Did they get a bad deal with China that they have such limited hardware resources? How’s it going to support VSTs with such limited hardware?

[@PauloYarisantos-vs8db]

My concern is it’s durability. Let me know.

[@kosemoja8348]

It would be cool if you could add skins to this this device

[@sergio_tempo]

I feel sad vibes from this video..

[@AccurateBeats]

The music thing i put in the middle there is a bit moody :)

[@sergio_tempo]

@@AccurateBeats this is not about music, this is about this device, i think you are little bit disappointed..

[@AccurateBeats]

​@@sergio_tempo Guess I'm sending the wrong vibes then. I think this one is great. My complaints are the color and the amount of ram. But as I said: MPC One has been enough for me for almost everything I've done and I think this will hold up too. I think it's good enough for me and I'm 100% sure it'll be more than good enough for most users. There's nothing to be sad about here :D

[@freshday633]

got a live 2 mpc so glad its black gos with everything unlike red . say everything in your setup is black then your mate steps in your room and says why have you got a kids toy keyboard in here .

[@AccurateBeats]

Yeah, I can live with metal, wood, grey or even white. Red is a difficult one for me. A ew options would’ve made the entire difference.

[@-zOrg-]

Hello there! Im really interested if i can connect Akai Professional MPC Key 37 to Boss Rc 505 MKII Loop Station?

[@СергейИванов-й5х2х]

Полезная информация. А эти звуки можно в корд прогрешн преаратить? Или хотя бы внутренний scaler применть ? Очень важно для меня.

[@AndyTanguay]

Nice to hear someone else not digging the red. I really dislike it.

[@rexeffect7122]

It dose have an internal storage option..

[@Howard423Turner]

Nice🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@gieroq9134]

Does the MPC Keys 37 read general midi, midi files, or does it have an audio recorder like its older brother key 61, for recording complete vocals?

[@willmcelroy6376]

Does it work as an audio interface for your daw/computer?

[@livefromthepsy-op1170]

Yes

[@simcitybigworldmedia]

Akai you've got to upgrade properly, 2GB you should be imbarist , step up , when I make my beats on mpc one I have to keep bouncing plugin instruments, this is not a good look

[@khajub]

AKAI MPC KEY 37 VS Akai Force ??

[@vaughnmiller4371]

Not enough RAM and storage, Stop tripping. Most of us go through 2 GB of RAM faster than a walk in the park. 8 would have been nice. Semi-weighted keys would have been a nice move as well. I've got to think long and hard about this one. 🤔 Red,😍 yeah I love it.

[@Mista_Terrific81]

2gb ram? C'mon Akai.

[@Syntox]

They have turned off or restricted comments on Instagram because everyone is saying the same thing. Blows my mind why they refuse to listen.

[@Mista_Terrific81]

@@Syntox That's petty as hell! 🤣

[@avace917]

The only red flag I see is the RAM limitation. I'm used to having a lot of keyboard instruments at my disposal and I'll probably wind up using a lot of key groups

[@avace917]

Because of that, I wound up buying the MPC One Plus and love it

[@gaitaadrian3816]

what cable or adapter did you used to power it from a powerbank?

[@AccurateBeats]

The included one. My power bank has a normal wall plug on it. Ormnicharge 20+ But I would guess that MyVolts would have a proper fix too!

[@thelevelbeyondhuman]

Ram was never an issue for any of the great producers using AKAI equipment older than this, so I don’t see why it should be a problem now. I get the feeling that half of the people complaining about ram who use 30 plug in VSTs at any given time don’t even make good enjoyable music. Everything has to have the most of everything even if not exactly necessary.

[@Mayimbe_]

Are the converters the same as the One or are they the same as the Live?

[@TheOneMonk]

Not sure why peps want USB C on this when it does not add anything relevant speed-wise for this device while being the absolute worst connection with regards to accidentally unplugging it.

[@hype_joe]

My question, can I record directly into a DAW? Or do I have to record through audio interface?

[@AccurateBeats]

Whichever. The MPC is an audio interface in itself so straight to a daw 100% works

[@hype_joe]

@@AccurateBeats muchas gracias amigo!!!!